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Rammed Earth Structures with Views of the Umbrian Valley

Author:
Phoebe wai fung Chu
Rammed Earth Structures with Views of the Umbrian Valley

Project in-detail

Built with rammed earth and surrounded by a fruit tree garden, the guest house offers elevated views of the Umbrian valley while seamlessly blending privacy and connection to the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Five identical guest houses designed for privacy and easy access to communal areas.
02
Elevated terrace design optimizes views of the Umbrian valley and sunsets.
03
Existing materials, including bricks from previous structures, reduce waste.
04
Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed windows.
05
Landscaped entry features a fruit tree garden and pond for enhanced arrival experience.

The Tili Vini guest home is located in the beautiful Umbrian valley and enhances the experience offered by the nearby Tili Vini winery. The design focuses on elevation, positioning several guest houses to provide clear views of the hills and stunning sunsets. The overall concept is to connect visitors with the local environment and culture. The layout encourages easy movement between indoor and outdoor areas while ensuring privacy for guests.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the concept of being "ELEVATED." Five identical guest houses are constructed atop a terrace, creating a clear distinction between public and private spaces. This arrangement allows guests to enjoy communal areas like the terrace, pool, and bar without sacrificing their comfort. By elevating the buildings, the design reduces noise and activity around the guest houses, promoting a peaceful atmosphere.

Arrival Experience

Visitors reach the guest home through a well-defined entrance lined with black poplar trees. As they walk through the landscape, they encounter a fruit tree garden and a pond, creating a natural setting that enhances their arrival experience. This pathway serves as a smooth transition into the reception area. The landscaping is intentional and inviting, drawing guests into the environment right from the moment they arrive.

Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability plays an important role in the design. Existing materials are reused to lower waste and environmental impact. The project incorporates bricks from the previous building, along with locally sourced bricks and rammed earth. This choice shows respect for both the local architecture and the surrounding landscape. Rammed earth also helps in regulating indoor temperatures, contributing to energy efficiency.

Thermal Performance and Ventilation

The guest houses are designed with thoughtfully placed windows that promote natural airflow. Windows on the east and west sides enhance ventilation through convection, allowing fresh air to circulate effectively. This design choice not only helps with comfort but also supports energy-saving measures, resulting in a pleasant indoor climate throughout the year.

Each guest house connects to an elevated terrace that provides visitors with clear views of the stunning valley. This setup encourages relaxation and enjoyment of the landscape. The design focuses on creating a strong bond between the built environment and nature, reinforcing the intentional vision of Tili Vini while providing a comfortable space for guests.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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